The HIV related risks among men having sex with men in rural Yunnan, China: a qualitative study

• Published in: Sexually transmitted infections 2006-04, Vol.82 (2), p.127-130
• Main Authors: Wong, W C W, Zhang, J, Wu, S C, Kong, T S K, Ling, D C Y
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; Adult; Aged; AIDS; Behavior; Biological and medical sciences; China; China - epidemiology; Condoms - utilization; Disease prevention; Education; General aspects; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; HIV; HIV Infections - epidemiology; HIV Infections - psychology; Homosexuality, Male - statistics & numerical data; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human infectious diseases. Experimental studies and models; Human viral diseases; Humans; Infectious diseases; Interviews; Male; Medical research; Medical sciences; men who have sex with men; Mens health; Middle Aged; MSM; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Pragmatism; Public Health; Qualitative research; Researchers; Risk Factors; Rural areas; Rural Health; Sexual Partners; sexually transmitted infections; Social research; STI; Stigma; Studies; TCM; traditional Chinese medicine; Unsafe Sex; Viral diseases; Viral diseases of the lymphoid tissue and the blood. Aids
• ISSN: 1368-4973; 1472-3263
• DOI: 10.1136/sti.2005.016790

Objectives: To explore the characteristics and issues specific to HIV related risk behaviours among men who have sex with men (MSM) in rural China. Method: Qualitative study using semistructured in-depth interviews in Dali prefecture, Yunnan. 24 informants recruited through a local MSM network, snowballing and by word of mouth. The main outcome measures were themes identified as increased exposures and risks to HIV. Results: Risk behaviour, social stigma, one child policy and concepts of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) had significant roles in the spread of HIV in rural China. Many MSM lead a life with double identities in China and condom use was found to be variable with attempts to “rationalise” the risky behaviour being its major determining factor. Health seeking behaviours of genitourinary problems were infrequent and illogical, which were further held back by the existing healthcare system and lack of sensitivity expressed by the health professionals. Conclusions: Clear education messages to the general public while raising awareness among health professionals of the health risks and needs in MSM are essential in the prevention of the current HIV epidemic.